Universal fleet electrical system

ABSTRACT

The universal fleet electrical system is an integrated system for supplying electrical power to aftermarket accessories, particularly to police vehicles and other emergency vehicles. The system includes a central power distribution panel, which includes a fuse panel and a lighting selector junction box, together with a universal wiring harness. A variety of custom wiring harnesses may also be used in the universal fleet electrical system. A dash mounted console is provided for operator control of the various accessory devices. The lighting selector junction box permits various lighting accessories to be connected to different light level circuits through push connectors, so that a plurality of lighting devices may be controlled by a single switch.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of my prior application Ser. No.09/985,680, filed Nov. 5, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to motor vehicle electricalsystems, and particularly to a universal fleet electrical system forfleets of emergency vehicles, such as police vehicles.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Law enforcement agencies typically have large fleets of motorvehicles which require a wide variety of aftermarket accessories,including, but not limited to, radios, light bars, arrow sticks,flashers for high beams, grill lights, brake and backup lights, strobelights, dash lights, rear deck lighting, mobile dispatch terminals,video cameras, and computers. Original equipment manufacture (OEM)police packages offer base packages which are very expensive and whichdo not begin to provide the capability of handling all accessory needs.State agencies and local government entities have tight budgetaryconstraints which require that accessory systems be put up for bid tolocal vendors. Unfortunately, wiring systems vary from vendor to vendor,and often accessories must be hard wired by tapping into the vehicle'sexisting wiring system. As accessories accumulate, the vehicle'saccessory wiring system becomes very complex with no unifying schematic.Consequently, when an accessory fails, it becomes very difficult andtime consuming to track down the fault through the vehicle's wiringsystem.

[0006] Various inventions have sought to simplify vehicle wiring systemsto make electrical systems more economical and to reduce the cost ofservicing vehicle electrical systems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,403,155, issuedSeptember, 1983 to Aoki et al., describes a wiring system whicheliminates external jumper wires by housing a switch box and fuse box ina connector box with buss bars which branch to terminals and splitterminals leaving the connector box. U.S. Pat. No. 4,689,718, issuedAugust, 1987 to Maue et al., teaches a junction box with circuit boardsinside, and a top cover having sockets which receive standard wireharnesses, customized buss bars selected by vehicle options, and anyadditional components required by the accessory circuits.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,884, issued July, 1989 to Sawai et al. showsa junction box to which a controller and a wire harness attach, thejunction box having buss bars inside. U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,154, issuedSeptember, 1989 to Copeland et al., discloses a device for shutting downauxiliary devices in a police car which are not connected to orcontrolled by the ignition switch, e.g., radios, public address, etc.,so that the battery does not run down, the device comprising a timercircuit between the battery and the auxiliary device.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,561, issued September, 1990 to A. B. Tamer,describes a smart power connector for carrying multiplexed data signalsbetween a central control module and peripheral control modules. U.S.Pat. No. 5,949,148, issued September, 1999 to W. F. Wagner, teaches apower connection box with fused circuits and relays to control variousdevices on a police car or other emergency vehicle. The box is mountedunder the dash, receives one wire from the positive terminal of thebattery and a second wire from the ignition switch. The box providessome output terminals which are always hot, some output terminals whichare hot only so long as the ignition switch is on, and some outputterminals which are hot with the ignition on but with a delay to keepthem hot for a predetermined time when the ignition is turned off, andfused circuit pass throughs for connecting a light controller to thelight bar. The device uses a tamer integrated circuit and a flip-flop.

[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,973,409 and 6,150,734, issued October, 1999 andNovember 2000, respectively to Neibecker et al., show a system having acase including a signal distribution board and a power distributionboard which are connected by a first card with fuses and a second cardwith relays. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,990,570 and 6,307,279, issued November,1999 and October, 2001, respectively to Yoshida et al., disclose a solidstate power distribution device for eliminating fuses and reducingwiring requirements. U.S. Pat. No. 5,990,573, issued November, 1999 toGranitz et al. describes a plurality of area modules distributed atvarious locations near the loads throughout a vehicle, each area modulehaving a plurality of slots for receiving feature modules.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,840, issued March 22, 1994 to W. J. Gieffersand assigned to Federal Signal Corporation, describes a programmableemergency signalling system for a vehicle which includes a control headmounted in the dash area of the vehicle, a programmable control unit inthe trunk of the vehicle, and a serial communications cable linking thecontrol head to the control unit. The control unit is programmed by akeypad which may be integral with the control head, or which may be on alaptop computer that can be connected to the control head. Relays forswitching the lights, sirens, or other accessories are connected to thecontrol unit. The system is an add on, however, and does not disclose auniversal wiring system and harness adapted for connection to thecontrol head and control unit.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,411,874, issued Jun. 25, 2002 to Morgan, et al.,discloses a control system for a police car or other emergency vehiclehaving a user interface, preferably with a “touch screen” keypad,disposed in the passenger compartment which is connected to a centralcontroller in the trunk of the vehicle by a data bus. The system reducesclutter in the passenger compartment by reduction of multiple switchcontrols in the passenger compartment. The Morgan patent does notdescribe such a control system integrated into a universal harnesscontrolling all vehicle electrical functions.

[0012] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularlyor in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.Thus a universal fleet electrical system solving the aforementionedproblems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The universal fleet electrical system is an integrated system forsupplying electrical power to aftermarket accessories, particularly topolice vehicles and other emergency vehicles. The system includes acentral power distribution panel, which includes a fuse panel and alighting selector junction box, together with a universal wiringharness. A variety of custom wiring harnesses may also be used in theuniversal fleet electrical system. A dash mounted console is providedfor operator control of the various accessory devices. The lightingselector junction box permits various lighting accessories to beconnected to different light level circuits through push connectors, sothat a plurality of lighting devices may be controlled by a singleswitch.

[0014] The universal wiring harness includes wiring harnesses andconnectors connected to various spare switch-controlled circuits asadditional accessories are added to the vehicle. Troubleshooting andmaintenance are facilitated by color coding and labeling of the wires inthe harness. Connection of remote accessories, such as a light barmounted on the vehicle roof, is facilitated through a novel weatherproofboot connector, rather than hard wiring the light bar to the harness.The wiring harness features various convenience features, such asindustrial braiding to reduce harness cable diameter under carpeting andmolding.

[0015] The universal fleet electrical system may also be designed forsystems which use a multipurpose controller on the console connected torelays in the trunk, or, a programmable control head connected to acontrol unit in the trunk, for reducing the number of switch heads andswitch wiring in the console area. In this case power leads for thecontroller are incorporated into the wiring harness, as well as a serialcommunications cable extending between the console and the trunk.

[0016] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention toeliminate the time and expense involved in tapping additionalaftermarket accessories into an existing vehicle electrical system byproviding a universal fleet electrical system for distributingelectrical power to aftermarket accessories in police and emergencyvehicles.

[0017] It is another object of the invention to reduce the time anexpense of troubleshooting failed aftermarket accessories in fleetvehicles through a universal fleet electrical system having standardizedcable runs identified by color coding and labeling.

[0018] It is a further object of the invention to provide a universalfleet electrical system having a wiring harness with spare circuitshaving wiring connectors located at various locations within the vehiclefor quick addition of aftermarket accessories to the vehicle.

[0019] Still another object of the invention is to provide a universalfleet electrical system having an improved harness using industrialbraiding and weatherproof connectors for convenient routing of vehiclewiring.

[0020] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive,dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0021] These and other objects of the present invention will becomereadily apparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a universal fleet electrical systemas seen from the top of a police vehicle showing disposition of thecomponents of the system according to the present invention.

[0023]FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C is a schematic drawing of a fuse panel in theuniversal fleet electrical system according to the present invention.

[0024]FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C is a schematic drawing of a lighting selectorjunction panel in the universal fleet electrical system according to thepresent invention.

[0025]FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C is a schematic drawing of a console panel in theuniversal fleet electrical system according to the present invention.

[0026]FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D is a schematic diagram of wiring connectionsbetween the panels of the universal fleet electrical system according tothe present invention.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a universal fleet electrical systemadapted for use with a serial controller as seen from the top of apolice vehicle showing disposition of the components of the systemaccording to the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the universal fleet electrical systemof FIG. 6.

[0029] Similar reference characters denote corresponding featuresconsistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present invention is a universal fleet electrical system forcontrolling power distribution of aftermarket accessories in anemergency vehicle, and particularly in a police vehicle. It will beunderstood that although the present invention is described with respectto a police vehicle, the principles of the present invention may also beapplicable to ambulances, fire chief vehicles, paramedic vehicles,sheriff's vehicles, and the like.

[0031]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the preferred layout of theuniversal fleet system 10 components in a police vehicle A. The systemincludes a standardized power distribution panel 12, which encompasses afuse panel 14 and a lighting selector junction box 16. The powerdistribution panel 12 is preferably disposed in the trunk of the vehicleA. The system 10 also includes a console panel 18 disposed in or underthe dash of the vehicle A, the console panel 18 having a plurality ofuser operated switches for controlling various electrical circuits inthe system. Finally, the system 10 includes a universal wiring harness20 having a plurality of connectors numbered C1-C31 disposed atpredetermined locations in the vehicle A for connecting aftermarketaccessories to the electrical system. The wiring is color coded andstamped with indicia for circuit identification in order to facilitatemaintenance and service of the universal fleet electrical system 10.

[0032] Preferably the wiring harness 20 includes sixteen standardconnectors designated C1-C16, and optionally may include an additionalfifteen connectors C17-C31. The position and function of the connectorsare as indicated in the following table. Wiring Harness Connectors C1Trunk Main distribution C2 Trunk Main distribution C3 Trunk Maindistribution C4 Trunk Main distribution C5 Trunk Main distribution C6Trunk Main distribution C7 Roof Light bar C8 Dash Horn ring bypass C9Dash Console panel C10 Dash Console panel C11 Dash Console panel C12Deck Arrow stick C13 Front Grill lights C14 Front Siren speaker C15Front Grill lights C16 Front Headlights C17 Front Extra PA speaker C18Dash Visor light C19 Dash Dash light C20 Side Right side light C21 RoofDome light C22 Interior Gun lock C23 Interior Gun lock C24 Side Leftside light C25 Deck Deck light C26 Trunk Flasher for hi-beams C27 TrunkFlasher for grill lights C28 Trunk Brake & back-up flasher C29 TrunkSiren option C30 Trunk Scale charger C31 Trunk Camera control

[0033] The wiring harness 20 includes several spare circuits throughoutthe harness run, which may be accessed at the front of the vehicle, atthe dash or console panel 18, in the trunk, etc.

[0034] The wiring harness 20 includes several features which areimproved over conventional accessory harnesses. For example,conventional wiring harnesses are protected by encasing the harness in ahard, corrugated plastic tube which is split longitudinally. In thewiring harness 20 of the present invention the cables are braidedloosely in order to present a flat profile and reduce harness diameterunder carpeting and molding. In conventional wiring harnesses, theharness for the light bar is hard wired and extends through the roof, sothat it is necessary to remove the roof upholstery and pull the wiringthrough the roof for replacement or servicing. The wiring harness 20 ofthe present invention includes a special 90° weatherproof boot connectorat C-7 for attachment to the light bar, so that if the light bar needsto be removed for service, the boot can be removed and a plug can beplaced over the roof connector. The boot connector uses athrough-the-roof base going through the roof of the vehicle and a wiringharness having a 90° weatherproof boot which removably attaches to thebase connector and which connects to a light bar accessory mounted onthe roof of the police vehicle A.

[0035] FIGS. 2A-2C is a schematic drawing of the fuse panel 14. The fusepanel 12 has a positive 12 volt buss bar 24 connected directly to thepositive terminal of the vehicle battery and a ground buss 26 connecteddirectly to the negative terminal of the battery, or to a vehicle groundon the engine. There is a buss bar 28 connected to a high amperage fuse30, e.g., 80 amperes, for protection of high amperage accessories suchas high power police radios, which are always hot so that the radios maybe operated without turning the ignition switch on. The fuse panel 14provides main power fuses 32 for the accessory circuits, which arefurther divided into a plurality of auxiliary subcircuits which areindividually protected by auxiliary fuses 34. Also mounted on the fusepanel 14 are five relays 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 which are connected toswitches on the console panel 18 (described below), and an ignitionrelay 46 connected to the ignition switch (described below). Each of therelays 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 is separately protected by a relayfuse 48 connected to the pole of the relay switch. A control fuse 50 isconnected between the positive buss bar 24 and one contact of theconsole switches (described below) in order to protect the solenoidcoils in the relays 36-44.

[0036] In FIG. 2 auxiliary circuits 1-4 are connected to ignition relay46, so that power is applied to these circuits only when the ignitionkey is turned to the “on” or “ACC” position. Auxiliary circuits 5-15 arealways hot, so that power is applied to the accessory devices when theconsole switch (described below) is turned on to energize the solenoidcoils in relays 36-44 to close the normally open contacts. The wiring toconnectors C1-C3 is color coded to reflect this difference, the ignitioncontrolled auxiliary circuits 1-4 having orange insulation on the wiresand auxiliary circuits 5-15 having red insulation.

[0037] A pair of diodes 51 a and 51 b are also mounted on the fuse panel14. The purpose of the diodes is to prevent feedback when accessoriesare connected to more than one light level control switch on the consolepanel 18, as described below.

[0038] FIGS. 3A-3C is a schematic diagram of the lighting selectorjunction box 16 panel. The lighting selector junction box 16 receivespower input from Relays 1-4 36, 38, 40, and 42 via wires 52, which arecolored coded red, yellow, green and black, respectively, to distinguishthe power input from the different relays. The power input from eachrelay is further split up into five parallel branches, each branchprotected by a fuse 54 and connected to a terminal block 56. As shown inFIG. 3, some of the branches from Relay 3 40 and Relay 4 42 are leftvacant to allow room for future expansion as more accessories are addedto the emergency vehicle. Various lighting accessories are connected tothe branch circuits by conventional spade terminal push connectors 58connected to the terminal blocks 56. This arrangement permits very quickcustomization of the particular light accessories controlled by eachrelay 36, 38, 40 and 42, thereby enabling power to a number ofaccessories to be controlled by a single switch, and permitting multiplelight level switches, as described below. Wiring to the individualaccessory loads is delivered the lighting selection junction box 16 viaconnectors C-5 and C-6. It will be noted that some of the wiresdelivered to the light selection junction box 16 through connectors C5and C6 are spare wires 60 from the console panel and light barconnectors, which are therefore available for future expansion asaccessories are added to the vehicle. The spare wires 60 are color codedso that their origin and destination may be clearly determined.

[0039] FIGS. 4A-4C is a schematic diagram of a console panel 18according to the present invention. A plurality of user operable controlswitches are disposed on the console panel 18. The console panel 18contains at least three lighting level switches, designated level 1 62,level 2 64, and level 3 66. The switches are shown as normally opentoggle switches in the drawings, although the type of switch (toggle,slide, push button, etc.) is not critical. One contact of each switch isconnected to the control circuit on fuse panel 14 via connectors C1, C9,and intermediate wiring, and is therefore always hot. The other contactof the lighting level 1 switch 62 is connected to one side of thesolenoid coil of relay 1 36, the other side of the coil being connectedto ground, so that when switch 62 is turned to the “on” position, theswitch contacts of relay 1 36 close, thereby applying power to anyaccessories connected to relay 1 36 at terminal block 56. In similarfashion, the second contact of lighting level 2 switch 64 is connectedto the solenoid coil of relay 2 38 and the second contact of lightinglevel 3 switch 66 is connected to the solenoid coil of relay 3 40 tocontrol power to the accessories connected to those relays at terminalblock 56.

[0040] In some circumstances it may be desired to connect the samelighting accessory to more than one lighting level switch. For example,it may be desired to have lighting level 1 switch 62 control turning alllighting accessories on and off, while the hi-beams is one of theaccessories controlled by lighting level 2 switch 64 and the brake andbackup flashers are controlled by lighting level 3 switch 66. In thiscase the anodes of the two diodes 51 a and 51 b on fuse panel 14 areconnected to the second contact of lighting level 1 switch 62 viaconnector C5, C9, and intermediate wiring. The cathode of diode 51 a isconnected to the second contact of lighting level switch 2 64, and thecathode of diode 51 b is connected to the second contact of lightinglevel 3 switch 66. In this manner diode 51 a prevents feedback from thehi-beams circuit when switches 62 and 64 are turned on simultaneously,and diode 51 b prevents feedback from the brake and backup light circuitwhen switches 62 and 66 are turned on simultaneously.

[0041] The console panel includes a Take Down switch 68 for controllingthose light accessories which shine a blinding light into a motorist'svehicle when the motorist is pulled over by a police vehicle. Onecontact of the Take Down switch 68 is connected to the control circuit50 and is always hot, while the second contact is connected to thesolenoid coil of relay 4 42 to control the lighting accessoriesconnected to relay 4 42 at terminal block 56. The trunk switch 70 hasone contact connected to the control circuit 50 and is always hot, whilethe second contact is connected to the solenoid coil of relay 5 44 tocontrol any accessories which may be connected to relay 5 44 in thetrunk at pigtail connector C4.

[0042] The console panel 18 may have a scale switch 72 which is suppliedwith power via the Aux 2 fuse and delivers power at C30 to a scalecharger which some police vehicles are equipped with for weighing trucksand other vehicle loads. The console panel 18 may have a scan switch 74which is supplied with power via the Aux 2 fuse and delivers power to ascanner 76 located near the dash. The spare switch 80, left alley switch82 and right alley switch 84 are shown being supplied with power at onecontact through Aux fuse 6. The other contact of the left 82 and right84 alley switches are connected to the light bar via connectors C9, C5,C6 and intermediate wiring. The other contact of the spare switch isconnected to spare wires 60 in the lighting selection junction box 16.As an example of how spare switch 80 may used, suppose it is desired toseparately control the deck lights by spare switch 80. A male spadeterminal is connected to the tan spare wire 60 labeled “CON SPR 1” inFIG. 3. The female spade terminal 58 for the orange wire labeled “DECKLT” in FIG. 3 is detached from terminal 3B of terminal block 58 andconnected to the male spade terminal, thus connecting power to the decklight through spare switch 80. The console panel 18 may contain pushbutton switches 86 for gun locks which secure guns, such as rifles orshotguns, within the police vehicle A.

[0043] The console panel 18 switches are generally wired through theharness terminating at connector C9. Connector C9 also delivers power toa number of other accessory devices which have their own built-inswitches for applying and removing power. C9 connects these devices tothe various auxiliary circuits on fuse panel 14. The accessory devicesmay include a siren control 87, Mobile Dispatch Terminal (MDT) 88,portable radio 90, flashlight 92, map light 94, directional or arrowstick control head 95 (control head 95 outputs control signals to thearrow stick through wiring harness connectors C11 and C12) and a 2 wayradio control head 96. Power may also be applied to a triple poweroutlet 98, which permits various accessories such as a cellphone 100 orcomputer inverter 102 to be connected through cigarette lighter plugsand the like. Several of these accessories may be supplied with powerthrough a programmable timer delay 104. Programmable timer delays areconventional devices well known in the art for shutting off power to anaccessory a predetermined time after the ignition switch is turned tothe off position in order to prevent battery drain. An example of aprogrammable timer delay 104 suitable for use with the present inventionis a model DR-33 programmable timer made by Minstar Technologies, Inc.of Grand Rapids, Minn. The accessory devices may be connected to theground buss 26 through the harness wires terminating at connector C10.

[0044] FIGS. 5A-5D is a schematic wiring diagram showing how the variouscomponents of the universal fleet electrical system 10 (fuse panel 14,lighting selection junction box 16, and console panel 18) are connectedby universal wiring harness 20 to the various accessories in the policevehicle A. The majority of the wiring has previously been discussed inconnection with FIGS. 1-4 and will not be repeated. FIG. 5 does showsome additional connections to the police vehicle A primary electricalsystem. Referring to connector C8, the wiring harness 20 is connected tothe vehicle's brake switch, ACC or ignition switch, anti-theft switch(gun lock switch), park switch, and dash lights by tapping into thevehicle's existing wiring system using a convention crimp type connectorto tap into the wiring. For example, the tap into the ignition or ACCswitch is connected via connectors C8, C1 and intermediate harnesswiring to the ignition relay 46 solenoid coil, so that when the ignitionswitch is turned to the “ON” position, the solenoid is energized,closing the relay's switch contacts and connecting Auxiliary circuits1-4 to the 12 volt buss bar 24 through the ignition relay fuse. Theharness 20 connects to the horn switch by splicing into the existingprimary electrical system. Likewise, referring to connector C16, thehi-beams are connected to the wiring harness 20 by splicing into thevehicles electrical system.

[0045]FIG. 5 also shows additional accessories (hi-beam flasher 106,grill flasher 108, brake and back-up flasher 110, camera control 112,etc.) and the optional runs of harness 20 and cable connectors providedfor connecting the accessories, together with the color coding schemefor the wiring. It bears repeating that the universal wiring harness 20relies both upon color coding and stamped indicia on the wiring topermit rapid identification of the cabling, thereby reducingmaintenance, servicing and troubleshooting time. The optional portionsof the wiring harness (connectors C17-C31) may be customized or made toorder as desired.

[0046] It will be noted that various additions may be made to theconventional universal fleet electrical system consistent with theforegoing description. For example, the wiring harness may optionally beexpanded to include wiring for a second siren speaker, dash and visorlights, side and mirror lights, a diode harness, a second gun lock, adirectional cable and additional forty ampere relay harnesses added tothe fuse panel so that five additional relays can be added. Suchmodifications are obvious and well within the capability of one skilledin the art.

[0047]FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a police vehicle equipped witha universal fleet electrical system as described above which has beenmodified to adapt the system for use with a microprocessor-based serialcontroller. The use of serial controllers is known in the art forreducing the number of control switches on the console with acorresponding reduction in the volume of switch wiring. Serialcontrollers provide a consolidated switch panel which considerablyfacilitates the use of emergency accessory equipment. Serial controllersare available in a variety of configurations. In one configuration,exemplified by the CENCOM (CenCom is a trademark of Whelen EngineeringCompany, Inc. of Chester, Connecticut) made by Whelen EngineeringCompany, Inc., and by the disclosure of U.S. Pat. 5,296,830, assigned toFederal Signal Corporation. In this style of controller, a control headin the console area is linked to a control unit in the trunk by a serialcommunications cable, which may be a twisted pair of wires. The controlunit is connected to relays which switch accessories, such as lighting,sirens, etc., in response to operation of button, slide or rotaryswitches on the control head. The control head may be programmable bysoftware to configure the control head switches. A similar serialcontroller which may be used with the present invention is a model F/SSS2000, made by, Federal Signal Corporation. In a second configuration,as exemplified by the Smart Link System, also made by Whelen EngineeringCompany, Inc., a model MPC01 multi-purpose controller is installed onthe console and is connected to several relays in the trunk by a serialcommunications cable. The relays may include a siren amplifier control,a current switch control for controlling lights, a directional lightarrow control relay, etc.

[0048] Currently such serial controllers are added to an existing wiringharness or fleet electrical system as an after market add-on.Consequently, it is necessary to run power wires from the control headdirectly to the battery, to install the serial communications cablebetween the console and the trunk, etc.

[0049] The universal fleet electrical system shown in FIGS. 6 and 7simplifies such installation. FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 1, showing themodified universal fleet electrical system 200 components in a policevehicle A. As before, the system includes a standardized powerdistribution panel 12, again encompassing a fuse panel 14 and a lightingselector junction box 16. The power distribution panel 12 is preferablydisposed in the trunk of the vehicle. However, whereas a conventionaluniversal fleet electrical system had a console panel 18 which includeda plurality of separately wired switches for controlling the variousaccessory lights, horns, sirens, etc., the console panel 218 of thepresent invention is modified by eliminating separate switch wiring forthe siren, light switches, directional arrow controls, and otheraccessory devices which can be controlled by the serial controller,retaining separate switch wiring only for those devices not controlledby the serial controller, e.g., gun locks.

[0050] Instead, the wiring harness 20 includes power cables for theserial controller extending from the control fuse 50 and ground buss ofthe fuse panel 14 to the console 218 through a suitable wiring harnessconnector 220. The wiring harness 20 also incorporates a serialcommunications cable 222 which is connected to either a control unit inthe case of a programmable system of the CenCom type, or to a serialsiren control amplifier 224, serial current switch control 226, serialdirectional control 228, etc. in the case of a multi-function serialcontroller of the MPC01 type.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, the vehicle battery B supplies power to theuniversal fleet electrical system 200 through the fuse panel 14. Asmentioned previously, the fuse panel 14 supplies power to the controlhead or multi-purpose serial controller 230 through the control fuse 50(seen in FIG. 2A) and ground buss via the color coded wiring harness 20.The serial controller 230 includes a plurality of switches 232, whichmay be push button, slide, rotary, or other switches, and may includeboth dedicated and programmable switches in which the function of theswitch is microprocessor controlled. The serial controller also includesat least one serial port 234. A serial communications cable 222 connectsthe serial port 234 to a control unit or one or more serial controlledrelays 236. The color coded wiring of the lighting selector junction box16, instead of being connected to individual switches in the consolepanel 18, is connected to the control unit or serial controlled relays,so that control of the lighting can be maintained through the lightingselector junction box 18 as described above. Color coded wiring 238 isused to connect the lighting selector junction box 18 or serialcontrolled relays 236 to the accessories 240. Hence, the modifieduniversal fleet electrical system 200 simplifies installation of aserial controller by incorporating the necessary wiring in the wiringharness 20, while retaining the advantages of the conventional universalfleet wiring system 10 described above.

[0052] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limitedto the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and allembodiments within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. A universal fleet electrical system for distributingelectrical power to a plurality of aftermarket accessories in a fleetvehicle, comprising: (a) a fuse panel adapted for connection to a fleetvehicle's battery; (b) a lighting selection junction box electricallyconnected to said fuse panel; (c) a console panel having a plurality ofuser operable switches for controlling operation of a plurality ofaftermarket accessories added to the fleet vehicle, the console panelbeing electrically connected to said fuse panel and said lightingselection box; and (d) a universal wiring harness electricallyconnecting said fuse panel, said lighting selection junction box, andsaid console panel, the wiring harness having a plurality a connectorsdistributed throughout the fleet vehicle adapted for connection toaftermarket accessories, the wiring harness having a plurality ofcolor-coded wires stamped with circuit identification labels, wherebyinstallation and maintenance time for aftermarket accessories isreduced.
 2. The universal fleet electrical system according to claim 1,wherein said fuse panel further comprises: (a) a positive voltage bussbar adapted for connection to a positive terminal of the fleet vehicle'sbattery; (b) a ground buss adapted for connection to a negative terminalof the fleet vehicles battery; (c) a pair of main power fuses, each mainpower fuse branching into a plurality of normally hot auxiliarycircuits, each auxiliary circuit having a fuse for protection of theauxiliary circuit, the main power fuses being directly connected to saidpositive voltage buss bar so that the auxiliary circuits are normallyhot, each auxiliary circuit having wires with red insulation and bearingindicia identifying the circuit for quick identification; (d) aplurality of lighting circuit relays, each relay having a solenoid andnormally open switch contacts, each relay further having a fuse inseries with the relay solenoid; and (e) an ignition relay having asolenoid tapped into the fleet vehicle's ignition switch and havingnormally open switch contacts connected to a plurality of ignitioncontrolled auxiliary circuits, each ignition controlled auxiliarycircuit having an auxiliary fuse and having wires with orange insulationand bearing indicia for rapid circuit identification.
 3. The universalfleet electrical system according to claim 2, wherein said lightingselection junction box further comprises: (a) a plurality of lightingcircuits, each lighting circuit being connected to the switch contactsof a separate one of said plurality of lighting relays, each lightingcircuit branching into a plurality of lighting subcircuits, eachsubcircuit having a fuse for circuit protection; and (b) at least oneterminal block having a plurality of terminals, each lighting subcircuitbeing connected to a separate terminal on said terminal block, eachterminal having a spade push connector for attachment of a lightingsubcircuit accessory wire; wherein a plurality of lighting subcircuitaccessories are programmably connected to the switch contacts of a userselected lighting relay by connecting a push connector from thesubcircuit accessory to a terminal on said terminal block.
 4. Theuniversal fleet electrical system according to claim 3, wherein saidconsole panel further comprises: (a) at least three lighting levelswitches, each lighting level switch being connected to a separate oneof said lighting relays in order to control application of power tothree different combinations of aftermarket lighting accessories by asingle switch; (b) a take down switch connected to one of said lightingrelays for controlling application of power to aftermarket lightingaccessories.used when pulling over a motorist; and (c) a spare switchconnected to one of said lighting relays for providing a user with aprogrammable console switch for adding on additional aftermarketaccessories.
 5. The universal fleet electrical system according to claim4, wherein said fuse panel further comprises a pair of diodes connectedin series between said three lighting level switches in order to preventfeedback when at least one accessory is commonly connected to more thanone of said lighting level switches and both switches are turned to an“ON” position.
 6. The universal fleet electrical system according toclaim 3, wherein said console panel further comprises a programmabletimer delay connected to said universal wiring harness for turning offcircuits a predetermined period of time after the fleet vehicle ignitionswitch is turned to an “OFF” position.
 7. The universal fleet electricalsystem according to claim 1, wherein said wiring harness includes amodular connector having: (a) a through-the-roof base connector; and (b)a light bar wiring harness having a weatherproof boot connectorattachable to said base connector, the light bar wiring harness beingadapted for a light bar accessory mountable on a roof of the fleetvehicle.
 8. The universal fleet electrical system according to claim 1,wherein said wiring harness includes a plurality of wires braidedtogether between the connectors, whereby said wiring harness has a flatprofile for positioning under carpets and molding.
 9. A universal fleetelectrical system for distributing electrical power to a plurality ofaftermarket accessories in a fleet vehicle, comprising: (a) a fuse paneladapted for connection to a fleet vehicle's battery; (b) a lightingselection junction box electrically connected to said fuse panel; (c) aconsole panel having a plurality of user operable switches forcontrolling operation of a plurality of aftermarket accessories added tothe fleet vehicle, the console panel being electrically connected tosaid fuse panel and said lighting selection box, the console panelhaving at least three lighting level switches, each lighting levelswitch being connectable to different combinations of aftermarketlighting accessories; and (d) a universal wiring harness electricallyconnecting said fuse panel, said lighting selection junction box, andsaid console panel, the wiring harness having a plurality a connectorsdistributed throughout the fleet vehicle adapted for connection toaftermarket accessories.
 10. The universal fleet electrical systemaccording to claim 9, wherein said universal wiring harness furthercomprises a plurality of color-coded wires stamped with circuitidentification labels, whereby installation and maintenance time foraftermarket accessories is reduced.
 11. The universal fleet electricalsystem according to claim 9, wherein said fuse panel further comprises:(a) a positive voltage buss bar adapted for connection to a positiveterminal of the fleet vehicle's battery; (b) a ground buss adapted forconnection to a negative terminal of the fleet vehicles battery; (c) apair of main power fuses, each main power fuse branching into aplurality of normally hot auxiliary circuits, each auxiliary circuithaving a fuse for protection of the auxiliary circuit, the main powerfuses being directly connected to said positive voltage buss bar so thatthe auxiliary circuits are normally hot, each auxiliary circuit havingwires with red insulation and bearing indicia identifying the circuitfor quick identification; (d) a plurality of lighting circuit relays,each relay having a solenoid and normally open switch contacts, eachrelay further having a fuse in series with the relay solenoid; and (e)an ignition relay having a solenoid tapped into the fleet vehicle'signition switch and having normally open switch contacts connected to aplurality of ignition controlled auxiliary circuits, each ignitioncontrolled auxiliary circuit having an auxiliary fuse and having wireswith orange insulation and bearing indicia for rapid circuitidentification.
 12. The universal fleet electrical system according toclaim 11, wherein said lighting selection junction box furthercomprises: (a) a plurality of lighting circuits, each lighting circuitbeing connected to the switch contacts of a separate one of saidplurality of lighting relays, each lighting circuit branching into aplurality of lighting subcircuits, each subcircuit having a fuse forcircuit protection; and (b) at least one terminal block having aplurality of terminals, each lighting subcircuit being connected to aseparate terminal on said terminal block, each terminal having a spadepush connector for attachment of a lighting subcircuit accessory wire;wherein a plurality of lighting subcircuit accessories are programmablyconnected to the switch contacts of a user selected lighting relay byconnecting a push connector from the subcircuit accessory to a terminalon said terminal block.
 13. The universal fleet electrical systemaccording to claim 12, wherein said console panel further comprises: (a)at least three lighting level switches, each lighting level switch beingconnected to a separate one of said lighting relays in order to controlapplication of power to three different combinations of aftermarketlighting accessories by a single switch; (b) a take down switchconnected to one of said lighting relays for controlling application ofpower to aftermarket lighting accessories used when pulling over amotorist; and (c) a spare switch connected to one of said lightingrelays for providing a user with a programmable console switch foradding on additional aftermarket accessories.
 14. The universal fleetelectrical system according to claim 13, wherein said fuse panel furthercomprises a pair of diodes connected in series between said threelighting level switches in order to prevent feedback when at least oneaccessory is commonly connected to more than one of said lighting levelswitches and both switches are turned to an “ON” position.
 15. Theuniversal fleet electrical system according to claim 12, wherein saidconsole panel further comprises a programmable timer delay connected tosaid universal wiring harness for turning off circuits a predeterminedperiod of time after the fleet vehicle ignition switch is turned to an“OFF” position.
 16. The universal fleet electrical system according toclaim 9, wherein said wiring harness includes a modular connectorhaving: (a) a through-the-roof base connector; and (b) a light barwiring harness having a weatherproof boot connector attachable to saidbase connector, the light bar wiring harness being adapted for a lightbar accessory mountable on a roof of the fleet vehicle.
 17. Theuniversal fleet electrical system according to claim 9, wherein saidwiring harness includes a plurality of wires braided together betweenthe connectors, whereby said wiring harness has a flat profile forpositioning under carpets and molding.
 18. A universal fleet electricalsystem for distributing electrical power to a plurality of aftermarketaccessories in a fleet vehicle, comprising: (a) a fuse panel adapted forconnection to a fleet vehicle's battery; (b) a lighting selectionjunction box electrically connected to said fuse panel; (c) a consolepanel having a plurality of user operable switches for controllingoperation of a plurality of aftermarket accessories added to the fleetvehicle, the console panel being electrically connected to said fusepanel and said lighting selection box ; and (d) a universal wiringharness electrically connecting said fuse panel, said lighting selectionjunction box, and said console panel, the wiring harness having aplurality a connectors distributed throughout the fleet vehicle adaptedfor connection to aftermarket accessories, the wiring harness furtherhaving a serial communications cable and a power cable and connectorextending to a console area of the vehicle and adapted for connection toa serial controller incorporated therein.
 19. The universal fleetelectrical system according to claim 18, wherein said fuse panel furthercomprises: (a) a positive voltage buss bar adapted for connection to apositive terminal of the fleet vehicle's battery; (b) a ground bussadapted for connection to a negative terminal of the fleet vehiclesbattery; (c) a pair of main power fuses, each main power fuse branchinginto a plurality of normally hot auxiliary circuits, each auxiliarycircuit having a fuse for protection of the auxiliary circuit, the mainpower fuses being directly connected to said positive voltage buss barso that the auxiliary circuits are normally hot, each auxiliary circuithaving wires with red insulation and bearing indicia identifying thecircuit for quick identification; (d) a plurality of lighting circuitrelays, each relay having a solenoid and normally open switch contacts,each relay further having a fuse in series with the relay solenoid; and(e) an ignition relay having a solenoid tapped into the fleet vehicle'signition switch and having normally open switch contacts connected to aplurality of ignition controlled auxiliary circuits, each ignitioncontrolled auxiliary circuit having an auxiliary fuse and having wireswith orange insulation and bearing indicia for rapid circuitidentification; and (f) a control fuse connected to said positivevoltage buss bar, said power cable having being connected to the controlfuse and to said ground buss.
 20. The universal fleet electrical systemaccording to claim 19, wherein said light selector junction box furthercomprises: (a) a plurality of lighting circuits, each lighting circuitbeing connected to the switch contacts of a separate one of saidplurality of lighting relays, each lighting circuit branching into aplurality of lighting subcircuits, each subcircuit having a fuse forcircuit protection; (b) at least one terminal block having a pluralityof terminals, each lighting subcircuit being connected to a separateterminal on said terminal block, each terminal having a spade pushconnector for attachment of a lighting subcircuit accessory wire;wherein a plurality of lighting subcircuit accessories are programmablyconnected to the switch contacts of a user selected lighting relay byconnecting a push connector from the subcircuit accessory to a terminalon said terminal block.
 21. The universal fleet electrical systemaccording to claim 20, further comprising a plurality of color codedwires having one end connected to the terminal block of said lightingselector block and a second end adapted for connection to a serialcontroller.
 22. The universal fleet electrical system according to claim18, further comprising: (a) a control head having a plurality ofswitches and a serial port, said serial communications cable beingconnected to the serial port, the control head being disposed in aconsole area of the vehicle; and (b) a control unit disposed in a trunkof the vehicle, the control unit being connected to said lightingselector junction box and the aftermarket accessories.
 23. The universalfleet electrical system according to claim 18, further comprising: (a) amulti-purpose serial controller having a plurality of switches and aserial port, said serial communications cable being connected to theserial port, the controller being disposed in a console area of thevehicle; and (b) a plurality of serial controlled relays disposed in atrunk of the vehicle, the relays being connected to said lightingselector junction box and the aftermarket accessories.